Its size is small but the message is large.

"Be the Artist of Your Own Life’s Work, 101 Ways to Make This Dream a Reality," by

Sequim author Cath Mich, is a self-help guidebook designed to support and encourage the journey of self-discovery.

Its small size permits readers to stash the workbook in a pocket, purse or briefcase and carry it with them throughout the day.

In a fast-paced world full of uncertainty, "Be the Artist of Your Own Life’s Work" is written to help people slow down, connect with their inner artist and be true to who they are, said Mich, a brunette woman who wears a solid gold band on the pinky finger of her left hand and a larger silver ring with a purple stone on the pointer finger of her right hand.

As she speaks, she has a tendency to play with the two pieces of jewelry.

Chapter two, which starts on Page 7, is titled, "Ten Steps Toward Transforming Your Approach to Life and Work." Key points, and an example of the many lists and guidelines included throughout the rest of the text, are:

_ Work daily to slow the pace at which you are living life. Give yourself extra space and time to connect with your core self.

_ Provide opportunities for yourself to feel directly connected to the natural world of the sun, moon and stars; trees and flowers; birds, animals and insects.

_ Believe that it is important to develop an inner-evolved set of daily activities that support your artist and be non-negotiable

about the time committed to them.

_ Allow generous amounts of time for these activities and be consistent. The discipline of consistency is key to a successful outcome.

_ Acknowledge that being true to your artist will involve reordering other priorities in life. This process involves the letting go of activities, and even people, who are not supportive of this process.

_ Get in touch with your need for control – control in relationships and control of the outcome. At a basic level, the power to control people and events is merely an illusion.

_ Congratulate yourself daily for small victories in the areas of control and release. These are far more challenging than the words suggest.

_ Faithfully keep a journal of your own thoughts as well as reflections on where you are in life, who your artist is and where you are in the journey.

_ Grow your intuitive self. Respect your intuitive promptings by following their direction and inspiration. Your unique creative genius grows out of this ground.

_ Be good to yourself. Give yourself nurturing rewards for taking small steps toward your larger goals.

At the end of the book are six blank, lined pages to record thoughts, comments and goals.

Mich, a Los Angeles, Calif., "refugee," as she calls herself, has an extensive background in social services and real estate. Some people might say the combination is unusual, but Mich says it’s a natural fit.

"The people I deal with in real estate are commonly relocating or starting a new life and going through transitions that aren’t that different from the transitions people who read my book are going through," she said.

"The driving force for me is that I see the world as us all sitting around one big table, and each one of us brings a unique set of talents and experiences to the table."

Mich is putting the finishing touches on a second book, titled "Embracing Life’s Bridges," which focuses specifically on change.

She’s also working with the Peninsula College Entrepreneur Institute teaching a class about "Demystifying Change," starting March 26.

"It’s a fearful topic for a lot of people," Mich said.

"I want to help get that fear on the table and help diffuse it."

Fear is, according to Mich, particularly problematic during

challenging times such as the current economic slump.

Mich offers coaching services for individuals and businesses

as well as actively selling real estate.

Make your

dreams come true

"Be the Artist of Your Own Life’s Work, 101 Ways to Make This Dream a Reality," by Cath Mich, is available in eight locations statewide, including Pacific Mist Books in Sequim and Port Book & News in Port Angeles. For more information about the author, go online to www.heartandsoulworks.com. Mich can be reached by e-mailing coachcath@heartandsoulworks.com.

Reach Ashley Miller at ashleyo@sequimgazette.com.